A large group of high school visitors from Niijima Gakuen School in Japan arrived to Boston last..

Veteran's Day in Boston

Global Immersions Recruiting - Thursday, November 08, 2018

Sunday is Veterans Day, the federal holiday that honors and celebrates those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans Day falls on the same day as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are observed in other countries to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I. Veterans Day always falls on November 11th, as World War I ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The holiday became official in 1954 after Armistice Day in the U.S. was renamed to Veterans Day. Boston has a lot of events happening this week in honor of Veterans Day. Here are a few of the highlights:

Boston has two annual Veteran’s Day Parades. The Boston Veteran’s Day Parade and the Veteran’s Peace Parade. The “original” Veterans Day celebration, the Veteran’s Day Parade, takes place on November 11th at the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets. The parade route continues on to City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall next to the statue of Sam Adams. The Parade features a variety of different participants, from ROTC groups to Veteran’s organizations, honorary militias, and marching bands. The Peace Parade follows a similar route, beginning shortly after the first parade. The Peace Parade also features a similar group of marching bands and veteran’s groups, however, it focuses more on the original intention of Armistice Day, as a celebration of Peace. Spectators can expect to see signs and banners promoting peace and non-violent solutions to wars or conflict. The Peace Parade was founded in 1985 by Veterans for Peace, an organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the harsh realities of war. At the conclusion of each parade, parade-goers are welcome to gather by the statute of Sam Adams to listen to speeches, anti-war reading, poetry, and music.

Veteran’s Day Harbor Cruise

The Harbor Cruiseis a popular Veteran's Day tradition for both military and non-military families. On Saturday, November 10th, families are invited to tour Fort Warren on Georges Island to learn of Boston’s centuries-long military history, from the American Revolution through the Civil War and up to present day, while honoring past and present soldiers. The cruise departs from the Charlestown Navy Yard and from Long Wharf at 11:00 am and return at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for non-military members and free for active duty military members and up to three of their family members. To make sure you (and your host family) get a spot on the cruise, register here.

Charity Walks & Runs

Two charity race take place this Veteran’s Day Weekend- the Dav 5K and Somerville Honor Run. The Dav 5K is a walk, run, or motorcycle race that honors those who have served and raises awareness of the issues and illnesses that military veterans may face. The event takes place on Boston’s Castle Island at 9:00 am on November 10th. The proceeds from the Dav 5K are used to support local organizations for veteran’s and their families. The second race, the Somerville Honor Run, benefits Somerville's George Dilboy VFW Post #529 and honors all those men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event starts at 9:00 am on November 11th in Davis Square and consists of a 4-mile route. All participants get a long sleeve running shirt and entry to the post-race block party, where local restaurants and breweries will be providing refreshments. You can get your ticket to the race here.

We hope you enjoy your long weekend, and to the veterans in our host network – we thank you for your service!